Dump trailer Info

[perp]

I am about to start building a new dump trailer and I have been looking at others designs for detail info. I have seen both the straight ram and the scissor lift styles, but no manufacturer can give me a consistent answer as to which is better. I am guessing that the Scissor (single or dual ram) is stronger as i see it more often on larger trailers (over 7K gvw), but I have seen some 21k's with straight rams as well as the 10 wheel kenworth dump i used to operate had a straight ram.

Any opinions, is it just cost related or maybe manufacurer preference or is it based in duability?

BTW i am making a 10K-16K range dump (not finalized on the size yet). more than likely a 9,999 to keep under class A and to avoid the $850.00 perm plate.

 

[ntsqd]

W/o knowing a lot about the sissor style I'll guess that those can use a ram that is either a shorter stroke or a smaller bore. Either would cost less. The down side is that the linkage weight eats into your net capacity and has more to maintain.

 

[perp]

from what i have seen the bore is a lot bigger in a scissor, but it definetly is a shorter stroke. From the best i can tell so far the scissor doesnot have to displace any of the cargo area as it folds flat under it. a large single ram (think dumptruck) has a large area in the front of the bed boxed to hold the top of the ram, reducing cargo volunme. maybe it makes for too muck toung weight too?

 

[DavidB]

I'd buy a used one and fix it up.

 

[perp]

I like to build things (like many others on here) and have a few successful trailers under my belt. I want to learn more about hydraulics and this is a better way than plan "b" (plan "b" is to fab my own hydro steer). If I make a few mistakes along the way i shouldn't die, so long as I keep my head out from under the box during lifting . if all goes well I am on to steering parts. here is a picture of the last trailer I welded up (non dump). it about 2 years old in this pic and this is after i sold it to a friend. kinda crappy pic but the only one i got.

 

[DavidB]

OK. Learn on.

 

[sweetk30]

i have a single ram style dump out front. i can take pics for ya if needed.

 

[DavidB]

I got's a dumper at the shop now that I think of it. I'll grab pics next time I'm out there.

 

[perp]

any and all pics are greatly appreciated.

Thanks Guys

 

[sweetk30]

i have had 2 yards in this of pee gravil, she dumped it no problem. pulled great. has 225/75/15 tires and brakes on both axles. back door is setup so you can wiggle it up off the hinges. and the pass side lock is just a old spring eye bolt and bushing tube cut in half and spaced out for bolt to piviot.

 

[sweetk30]

few more.

 

[sweetk30]

forgot some. her ya go.

 

[perp]

Thanks man, lots of cool pics that should help alot. I do like the straight ram myself.

 

[bigjbear]

How much would that 12v motor to power that ram cost? My car trailer has a dumping deck, but the ram is just plummed back into its self and acts like a big shock absorber so the thing doesn't slam up or down. Sorry for the minor hijack.

 

[sweetk30]

new i have seen around 5hundred bucks. but used from like a lift gate or some other app. i have seen 1-2 hundred bucks. watch the psi specs tho on some. small stuff for certian apps.